Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gavin Newsom

1978: Cited Statistics on Capital Punishment Costs

In 2012, Newsom referenced that California had spent $5 billion since 1978 to execute just 13 people, while supporting a failed measure to end capital punishment.

May 14, 1991: Created PlumpJack Associates L.P.

On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and his investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P.

1992: Started PlumpJack Winery

In 1992, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery with the financial help of Gordon Getty.

1993: PlumpJack Cafe Opened

In 1993, the PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street.

1994: PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn Opening

In 1994, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café opened.

1995: Volunteered for Willie Brown's Mayoral Campaign

In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor.

1995: Winery and Balboa Cafe Opening

In 1995, Newsom and his investors opened a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill.

1996: Appointed to San Francisco Parking and Traffic Commission

In 1996, Gavin Newsom began his political career when San Francisco mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission.

1996: Appointed to Parking and Traffic Commission

In 1996, Gavin Newsom was appointed to a vacant seat on the Parking and Traffic Commission by Willie Brown.

1996: Established PlumpJack Development Fund

In 1996, the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P. was created.

1997: Appointed to Board of Supervisors

In 1997, Gavin Newsom was appointed by Willie Brown to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

1998: Elected to Board of Supervisors

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

1998: Elected to the Board of Supervisors

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

1998: Endorsed by Rescue Muni

In 1998, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group, in his reelection bid.

1998: MatrixFillmore Bar Opened

In 1998, the MatrixFillmore Bar was opened by Newsom and his investors.

November 1999: Voters Approved Ballot Measure

In November 1999, voters approved a ballot measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom related to Muni reform.

1999: PlumpJack Wines Shop Opened

In 1999, the PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch opened.

2000: PlumpJack Expansion

By 2000, Newsom and his investors had opened PlumpJackSport retail clothing and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley.

2000: Re-elected to Board of Supervisors

In 2000, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

2001: Annual Income

From 1996 to 2001, Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.

2002: Re-elected to Board of Supervisors

In 2002, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

2002: Business Holdings Valued

In 2002, Newsom's business holdings were valued at more than $6.9 million.

November 4, 2003: Placed First in General Election

On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom placed first in the general election with 41.9% of the vote.

2003: Care Not Cash

In 2003, Care Not Cash (Measure N) was a signature initiative of Newsom's which offered care, supportive housing, drug treatment, and help from behavioral health specialists for the homeless in lieu of direct cash aid.

2003: Elected Mayor of San Francisco

In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco.

January 3, 2004: Sworn in as Mayor of San Francisco

On January 3, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, promising to address public schools, potholes, and affordable housing.

July 1, 2004: Implementation of Care Not Cash Began

On July 1, 2004, implementation of Care Not Cash began, leading to 5,000 more homeless people being given permanent shelter in the city.

August 2004: Newsom Directs Issuance of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

In August 2004, Gavin Newsom, then mayor of San Francisco, directed the city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, violating state law and bringing national attention to the issue.

October 27, 2004: Joined Hotel Workers' Picket Line

On October 27, 2004, Gavin Newsom joined UNITE HERE union members on a picket line in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel during a strike by hotel workers.

2004: Became Mayor of San Francisco

In 2004, Gavin Newsom became the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, a position he held until 2011.

2004: Sold San Francisco Business Shares

In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor.

2005: Pushed for State Law on Dog Breeds

In 2005, Gavin Newsom pushed for a state law to allow California communities to create policies restricting certain breeds of dogs.

August 10, 2007: Filing Deadline Passed

On August 10, 2007, the filing deadline passed, and San Francisco's discussion shifted to talk about Newsom's second term.

August 2007: Campaign Funds

In August 2007, The San Francisco Chronicle declared that Newsom raised $1.6 million for his reelection campaign by early August.

2007: Homeless Program Success

By 2007, about 2,000 homeless people had been placed into permanent housing with support as part of the Care Not Cash initiative.

2007: Business Income

In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests.

2007: Established Healthy San Francisco

In 2007, Gavin Newsom signed the law establishing Healthy San Francisco, providing city residents with universal health care, the first city in the nation to do so.

2007: Re-elected Mayor of San Francisco

In 2007, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the mayor of San Francisco.

2008: Hosted Urban-Rural Roundtable

In 2008, Gavin Newsom hosted the Urban-Rural Roundtable to explore ways to promote regional food development and increased access to healthy, affordable food.

2008: Newsom Opposes Proposition 8

In 2008, Gavin Newsom opposed Proposition 8, a ballot initiative to reverse the Supreme Court of California ruling on same-sex marriage. Footage of Newsom saying "This door's wide open now. It's going to happen, whether you like it or not," was used in a commercial by Proposition 8 supporters, potentially influencing the amendment's passage.

2008: City Audit

In 2008, a city audit evaluated the Care Not Cash program as largely successful four years after the program's inception.

April 21, 2009: Newsom Announces Candidacy for Governor

On April 21, 2009, Gavin Newsom announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2010 election, naming Alex Padilla as his campaign chair.

February 2010: Newsom Files Paperwork for Lieutenant Governor Run

In February 2010, Gavin Newsom filed initial paperwork to run for lieutenant governor of California, marking the beginning of his campaign for the position.

2010: Newsom Drops Out of Gubernatorial Race, Runs for Lieutenant Governor

In 2010, Gavin Newsom dropped out of the race for governor due to low poll numbers and instead ran for lieutenant governor.

2010: Elected Lieutenant Governor of California

In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California.

2010: Context Regarding Margin of Victory

In 2022, Newsom's margin of victory for Governor was smaller than in 2018, and the first time since 2010 that the Democratic gubernatorial nominee did not win at least 60% of the vote.

January 10, 2011: Newsom Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 10, 2011, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of California, marking the start of his term under Governor Jerry Brown.

2011: Became Lieutenant Governor of California

In 2011, Gavin Newsom became the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California, a position he held until 2019.

2011: Newsom Completes Service as Mayor of San Francisco

In 2011, Gavin Newsom completed his service as mayor of San Francisco.

May 2012: Newsom Begins Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" and Faces Criticism

In May 2012, Gavin Newsom began hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show" on Current TV. During the same month, he faced criticism for describing Sacramento as 'dull' and stating he was only there once a week.

2012: Hosted The Gavin Newsom Show

From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted The Gavin Newsom Show.

2012: Newsom Supports Failed Measure to End Capital Punishment

In 2012, Gavin Newsom supported a failed measure that aimed to end capital punishment in California, arguing it would save the state millions of dollars.

February 7, 2013: Newsom Releases "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government"

On February 7, 2013, Gavin Newsom released his first book, "Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government", discussing the Gov 2.0 movement.

2013: Convenes Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy

In 2013, Gavin Newsom convened the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy with the American Civil Liberties Union of California.

2013: Authored "Citizenville"

In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville", focusing on the use of digital tools for democratic change.

November 4, 2014: Newsom Reelected as Lieutenant Governor

On November 4, 2014, Gavin Newsom was reelected as Lieutenant Governor of California, securing 57.2% of the vote against Republican Ron Nehring.

2014: Re-elected Lieutenant Governor

In 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as Lieutenant Governor of California.

January 5, 2015: Newsom's Second Term as Lieutenant Governor Begins

On January 5, 2015, Gavin Newsom began his second term as Lieutenant Governor of California, following his reelection in November 2014.

February 11, 2015: Newsom Opens Campaign Account for 2018 Gubernatorial Election

On February 11, 2015, Gavin Newsom announced that he was opening a campaign account for governor in the 2018 elections, allowing him to raise funds for a campaign to succeed Brown.

July 2015: Newsom Releases Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's Final Report

In July 2015, Gavin Newsom released the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's final report, which aimed to inform a legalization measure on the November 2016 ballot.

November 2015: Newsom Calls for Creation of the California College Promise

In November 2015, Gavin Newsom, along with Eloy Oakley, called for the creation of the California College Promise, aiming to provide free community college education.

December 2015: Newsom Calls for Reclassification of Computer Science Courses

In December 2015, Gavin Newsom called on the University of California to reclassify computer science courses as core academic classes to incentivize more high schools to offer these courses.

2015: Newsom Partners to Launch Digital Democracy Tool

In 2015, Gavin Newsom partnered with the Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy at California Polytechnic State University to launch Digital Democracy, an online tool for navigating California legislative proceedings.

June 2016: Newsom Helps Secure Funding for Promise Programs

In June 2016, Gavin Newsom helped secure $15 million in the state budget to support the creation of promise programs throughout California.

September 2016: Legislation Sponsored by Newsom Expanding Computer Science Education is Signed

In September 2016, legislation sponsored by Gavin Newsom to expand computer science education to all state students, starting as early as kindergarten, was signed by Governor Brown.

November 2016: Newsom Supports Proposition 64, Legalizing Cannabis

In November 2016, Gavin Newsom supported Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis use and cultivation for California residents 21 or older.

2016: Newsom Passes Reforms for Student-Athletes at UC

In 2016, Gavin Newsom passed a series of reforms at the University of California aimed at providing student-athletes with additional academic and injury-related support.

2016: Newsom Supports Proposition 62 to Repeal Death Penalty

In 2016, Gavin Newsom supported Proposition 62, which sought to repeal the death penalty in California. He argued against the death penalty citing racial disparities and moral grounds, but the proposition failed.

2016: Proposition 63 Proponent

In 2016, as lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom was the official proponent of Proposition 63, a ballot measure requiring background checks and California Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition, along with other gun control regulations.

February 24, 2017: Newsom Urges Trump Administration to Not Increase Federal Enforcement Against Cannabis Firms

On February 24, 2017, Gavin Newsom sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump urging them not to increase federal enforcement against recreational cannabis firms in California, advocating for a partnership with the state.

June 5, 2018: Newsom Advances in Gubernatorial Primary

On June 5, 2018, Gavin Newsom finished in the top two in the nonpartisan blanket primary for the California gubernatorial election.

2018: Campaign Pledge on Oil Extraction Oversight

During his 2018 campaign, Newsom pledged to tighten state oversight of fracking and oil extraction.

2018: Elected Governor of California

In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the Governor of California.

2018: Expedited Review of Pardon Requests

In 2018, a California law mandated expedited review by the state Board of Parole Hearings for pardon requests from people facing deportation.

2018: Context Regarding Margin of Victory

In 2022, Newsom's margin of victory for Governor was smaller than in 2018, winning against Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote, which was a smaller margin than previous elections.

January 7, 2019: Newsom Sworn In as Governor

On January 7, 2019, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the Governor of California.

January 2019: Housing Shortage Actions

In late January 2019, Newsom announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing, signaling his commitment to addressing California's housing shortage.

February 2019: State of the State Address

In his February 2019 State of the State address, Newsom announced that work would continue on the Central Valley segment of the high speed rail from Bakersfield to Merced, while the rest of the system would be indefinitely postponed due to cost overruns and delays.

March 13, 2019: Newsom Declares Moratorium on Death Penalty

On March 13, 2019, Gavin Newsom declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty, halting executions and closing the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison.

May 2019: Newsom Pardons Formerly Incarcerated People

In May 2019, Gavin Newsom pardoned seven formerly incarcerated individuals, including two Cambodian refugees facing deportation, as one of his first acts of clemency as governor.

June 2019: Apology for Native American Genocide

In June 2019, Newsom apologized for the genocide of Native Americans that was approved and abetted by the California state government in the 19th century.

June 2019: Medi-Cal Expansion

In June 2019, the budget passed expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.

September 2019: Newsom Vetoes SB 1

In September 2019, Newsom vetoed SB 1, which would have preserved environmental protections at the state level that were set to roll back nationally under the Trump administration's environmental policy.

November 2019: Newsom Pardons Men Facing Deportation

In November 2019, Governor Newsom pardoned three men who were attempting to avoid deportation to Cambodia or Vietnam, all of whom had committed crimes at the age of 19.

November 2019: Moratorium on Hydraulic Fracturing

In November 2019, Newsom imposed a moratorium on approval of new hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling in the state until permits could be reviewed by an independent panel of scientists.

December 2019: Newsom Grants Parole to Cambodian Refugee

In December 2019, Newsom granted parole to a Cambodian refugee held in a California prison for a murder case. Despite immigrant rights groups' requests, the refugee was transferred to federal agents for possible deportation upon release.

2019: Newsom's Veto Rate

From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.

2019: Became Governor of California

In 2019, Gavin Newsom became the 40th Governor of California.

2019: Newsom Attends UN Climate Action Summit

In 2019, Newsom attended the UN Climate Action Summit, highlighting California's role as a climate leader.

2019: CalMatters Analysis Finds Newsom's Political Positions More Moderate

In 2019, a CalMatters analysis determined that Gavin Newsom's political positions were more moderate than those of nearly every Democratic state legislator in California.

2019: Response to Mass Shootings

In 2019, following the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, Newsom called for nationwide background checks on ammunition purchases. Later in 2019, responding to the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, he expressed support for the Second Amendment but advocated for national cooperation in controlling "weapons of goddamned mass destruction," also noting the gender of the shooters as a factor.

February 2020: Newsom Administration Sues Federal Agencies

In February 2020, the Newsom administration sued federal agencies over rollbacks to protect imperiled fish in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in 2019.

March 4, 2020: Newsom Declares State of Emergency for COVID-19

On March 4, 2020, Newsom declared a state of emergency in California following the first COVID-19 death, allowing state agencies to procure equipment and services, share patient information, and alleviate restrictions on state-owned properties to manage the spread of the virus.

March 22, 2020: Newsom Declares State of Emergency for Wildfires

On March 22, 2020, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to a mass die-off of trees, increasing the risk of wildfires in preparation for the 2020 wildfire season.

April 2020: Resumption of Hydraulic Fracturing Permits

In April 2020, state agencies resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits.

August 2020: Newsom Addresses Democratic National Convention

In August 2020, Newsom addressed the 2020 Democratic National Convention, mentioning climate change and the wildfires prevalent in California at the time.

September 2020: Newsom Signs Bill on Transgender Inmate Housing

In September 2020, Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill allowing California transgender inmates to be placed in prisons that correspond with their gender identity, though the request can be denied based on "management or security concerns".

September 23, 2020: Newsom Orders Phase Out of Gasoline-Powered Vehicles

On September 23, 2020, Newsom signed an executive order to phase out sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035.

2020: Newsom Appoints Successors to Harris, Padilla, and Becerra

In 2020, following Kamala Harris' election as Vice President, Gavin Newsom appointed Alex Padilla as U.S. Senator, Shirley Weber as Secretary of State, and Rob Bonta as Attorney General.

2020: Use of Executive Orders During Legislative Session

Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders during the 2020 legislative session.

February 2021: Biden Appoints Julie Su as Deputy Secretary of Labor

In February 2021, President Joe Biden appointed California Labor Secretary Julie Su, a Newsom appointee, as deputy secretary of labor.

April 2021: Commitment to End Gas Lease Sales and Oil Extraction

In April 2021, Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045.

June 10, 2021: Criticism of Judge Roger Benitez

On June 10, 2021, Newsom criticized federal Judge Roger Benitez as "a stone cold ideologue" and "a wholly owned subsidiary of the gun lobby of the National Rifle Association" after Benitez struck down California's ban on assault weapons. Newsom also proposed legislation to empower private citizens to enforce the ban.

September 14, 2021: Newsom Prevails in Recall Election

On September 14, 2021, the recall election was held, and only 38% voted to recall Gavin Newsom, allowing him to remain in office.

September 2021: Newsom Signs Police Reform Legislation

In September 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer to 21, restricting the use of tear gas, and banning police departments from employing officers after misconduct or crimes.

October 2021: Proposed Buffer Zone for Fossil Fuel Extraction

In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas.

December 2021: California as Abortion Sanctuary

In December 2021, Newsom announced his intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion, including potentially funding procedures, travel, and lodging for out-of-state abortion seekers if the procedure is banned in Republican-led states.

2021: Newsom's Veto Rate

From 2019 to 2021, Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.

2021: Zoning Law Changes

In 2021, Newsom signed into law a pair of bills that reduced zoning restrictions for housing, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in areas previously zoned for single-family homes.

2021: Medi-Cal Expansion to Older Residents

In 2021, Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50.

January 13, 2022: Newsom Denies Parole to Sirhan Sirhan

On January 13, 2022, Gavin Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of Robert F. Kennedy, citing Sirhan's lack of insight and refusal to accept responsibility for his actions.

January 2022: Newsom Directs Dismantling of Death Row at San Quentin

In January 2022, Gavin Newsom directed the state to begin dismantling its death row in San Quentin, to be transformed into a 'space for rehabilitation programs'.

March 2022: Abortion Coverage Mandate

In March 2022, Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in California to fully cover abortion procedures by eliminating co-pays and deductibles and increasing insurance premiums.

June 30, 2022: State Budget and Healthcare

On June 30, 2022, Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that promised to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024, regardless of immigration status, making California the first U.S. state to guarantee healthcare to all low-income illegal immigrants.

July 6, 2022: Office of Health Care Affordability

On July 6, 2022, Newsom signed Senate Bill 184, which established the Office of Health Care Affordability, aimed at developing data-informed policies and enforceable cost targets to contain health care costs.

September 2022: Newsom Says He Will Not Run for President in 2024

In September 2022, Gavin Newsom stated that he would not run for president in 2024, citing his "vulnerable" 2021 recall as a factor in his decision.

September 2022: Sanctuary State for Transgender Youth

In September 2022, Newsom made California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth.

September 2022: Proposed Windfall Profits Tax and Penalty

In September 2022, with gas prices exceeding $6 per gallon, Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies, attributing high prices to corporate greed.

2022: Newsom Elected to Second Term as Governor

In 2022, Gavin Newsom was elected to a second term as Governor of California, defeating Republican Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote.

2022: Opposition to NIMBYism

In 2022, Newsom declared that "NIMBYism is destroying the state", reinforcing his stance against local opposition to housing development.

2022: Signing of Housing Crisis Bills

In 2022, Newsom signed 39 bills into law intended to address California's housing crisis. These bills included eliminating minimum parking requirements for housing near mass transit and allowing housing construction on lots previously zoned for commercial use.

2022: Signing of Gun Control Bills

In 2022, Newsom signed gun control bills, including Assembly Bill 1621, restricting privately made firearms linked to violent crimes, and Assembly Bill 2571, prohibiting marketing firearms to children. He also signed Senate Bill 1327, enabling private citizens to sue those involved with illegal firearms in California.

2022: Criticism for Universal Healthcare Stance

In early 2022, Newsom faced criticism for walking back from his support for universal health care and not supporting Assembly Bill 1400, which would have instituted single-payer health care in California. Critics suggested that business interests, which had donated large sums to Newsom and his party, influenced his stance.

February 2023: Reproductive Freedom Alliance

In February 2023, Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, consisting of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.

March 2023: Walgreens Controversy

In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would refuse to dispense abortion pills in 21 states where it is illegal, Newsom declared that California would cease doing business with Walgreens. He criticized Walgreens for cowering to "right-wing bullies" and endangering women's lives.

March 2023: Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

In March 2023, during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, it was acknowledged that at least three of Newsom's wine companies, PlumpJack, Cade, and Odette, were clients of the bank.

March 28, 2023: Newsom Signs Law to Penalize Oil Company Profits

On March 28, 2023, Newsom signed a law that authorizes the California Energy Commission to set a profit threshold for oil companies, requiring them to report profit data and creating a new oversight division to investigate price gouging.

April 2023: Article Discusses Inevitability of Newsom Presidential Run

In April 2023, an article published in The Hill by Sharon Udasin discussed the inevitability of Gavin Newsom making a presidential run.

April 25, 2023: Newsom Endorses Biden's Reelection

On April 25, 2023, Gavin Newsom endorsed President Biden's reelection campaign, indicating he would not challenge Biden in the Democratic primaries.

May 2023: Schwarzenegger Suggests Newsom Will Run for President

In May 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that it was a "no-brainer" that Gavin Newsom would someday run for president, fueling speculation about his future political ambitions.

June 8, 2023: Proposed 28th Amendment

On June 8, 2023, Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aimed to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks, mandate waiting periods, and ban assault weapons for civilians. This proposal was met with mixed reactions and concerns over the potential for a constitutional convention.

June 2023: LGBTQ+ Pride Month Proclamation

In June 2023, Newsom proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in California.

June 2023: Poll Shows 22% of California Voters Want Newsom to Run for President

In June 2023, a NewsNation poll revealed that 22% of California voters expressed a desire for Gavin Newsom to enter the 2024 presidential election.

September 2023: Newsom Appoints Laphonza Butler to U.S. Senate

In September 2023, Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate following the death of Dianne Feinstein, fulfilling his promise to appoint a Black woman to the seat.

October 2023: Visit to China

In October 2023, Newsom embarked on a week-long visit to China, including stops in Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Shanghai. He met with Chinese president Xi Jinping, discussing climate change, trade relations, and the response to fentanyl production, and called for better relations between the U.S. and China.

October 2023: Veto of Insulin Co-Pay Cap

In October 2023, Newsom vetoed a bill intended to cap co-pays for diabetic insulin at $35.

October 2023: Veto of Labor Bills

In October 2023, Newsom vetoed a bill that would provide unemployment insurance to striking workers and another bill that expanded the mandatory warning period for laid-off employees. He cited concerns about the burden on the state's unemployment system.

October 2023: Veto of Caste Discrimination Ban

In October 2023, Newsom vetoed a bill to ban discrimination based on caste, calling it "unnecessary". This decision was met with both praise from Hindu rights organizations and sharp criticism from advocates for the rights of Dalits and other oppressed castes.

October 2023: Veto of Housing Assistance Bills

In October 2023, Newsom vetoed several bills aimed at expanding access to housing assistance, including one to repurpose state-owned land, another to expand eligibility, and a third to mandate Medi-Cal cover housing assistance costs.

October 20, 2023: Visit to Israel

On October 20, 2023, Newsom visited Israel to express solidarity with the country during the Israel–Hamas war. He met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli president Isaac Herzog, other top Israeli officials, and survivors of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

November 2023: Newsom and DeSantis Debate on Fox News

In November 2023, Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis engaged in a debate moderated by Sean Hannity on Fox News, addressing their differing political views.

2023: Newsom Launches Campaign for Democracy PAC

In 2023, Gavin Newsom launched Campaign for Democracy, a PAC aimed at taking on "authoritarian leaders" in the U.S., seen as a potential starting point for a 2028 presidential bid.

February 2024: Exemption for Bakeries in Minimum Wage Bill

In February 2024, it was reported that Newsom pushed for an exemption for businesses that bake and sell bread in AB 1228, a bill that raises the state's minimum wage for fast food workers, benefitting a donor to Newsom's campaigns.

July 2024: Campaign for Democracy Raises $24 Million

As of July 2024, Gavin Newsom's Campaign for Democracy has raised $24 million for direct contributions to candidates and other spending.

July 2024: Newsom Launches "Politickin'" Podcast and Endorses Kamala Harris for President

In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast called "Politickin'", co-hosted by Marshawn Lynch and Doug Hendrickson. After Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race that month, Newsom endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president and stated he would not seek the Democratic nomination.

August 2024: Homeless Encampment Removal Warning

In August 2024, Newsom warned counties that failed to remove homeless encampments that their state funding would be cut off the next year. This warning came after he personally visited and cleared out a Los Angeles homeless encampment.

September 2024: Exception to Alcohol Law for Intuit Dome

In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported that Newsom had signed AB 3206 into law, carving out an exception to the state's last call alcohol law for Intuit Dome, owned by Steve Ballmer, whose wife donated $1 million to the Newsom campaign in 2021.

October 2024: California Racial Mascots Act

In October 2024, Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", which bans derogatory Native American mascots and team names at K-12 schools. Schools run by recognized Native American tribes are exempt.

December 2024: Newsom Criticizes Biden's Pardon of Hunter Biden

In December 2024, Gavin Newsom criticized President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, stating, "I’m disappointed and can’t support the decision."

2024: Newsom Calls for California Lawmakers to Convene After Trump's Election

After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Gavin Newsom called for California lawmakers to convene later in 2024 to safeguard California's policies from the upcoming Trump administration.

2024: Target Year for Ending Gas Lease Sales

By 2024, Newsom has committed to ending the sale of gas leases.

2024: Parental Notification Bill Signed

In 2024, Newsom signed a bill into law that prohibits schools from notifying parents about a minor student's gender identity without the student's consent, leading to criticism from parents and conservative organizations.

2024: Context regarding senate seat appointment

In September 2023, Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate following the death of Dianne Feinstein, fulfilling his promise to appoint a Black woman to the seat.

2024: Planned Medi-Cal Expansion

The $307.9 billion state budget signed on June 30, 2022 pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program by 2024 regardless of their immigration status.

2035: California's Zero-Emission Vehicle Target

By 2035, Newsom's executive order requires all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission.

2045: Target Year for Ending Oil Extraction

By 2045, Newsom has committed to ending oil extraction.